Nailing Machines for Crate Sides & Tops: Built for Maximum Productivity

Our nailing machines for crate sides and tops are designed with productivity at the forefront. From standard frames to long, extended frames for large parts and additional tools, our machines make it easy to nail quality crate sides and tops. During the board loading process, blocks can be held securely in place to ensure consistent quality.

Built on the proven Little Buddy platform, these machines can be fabricated to produce a wide variety of parts—from basic crate tops to oversized components, and even parts requiring tight tolerances down to 1/16″. Each machine is tailored to meet your specific production needs.

Capable of firing in complex nail patterns, the Crate Sides and Tops Machine ensures the strongest, most reliable fastening possible. Simple, efficient, and cost-effective, it’s the ideal solution for quickly building and stacking some of the pallet industry’s most common block pallet components and crate parts.

How the Machine Works:

This machine is built on the proven Little Buddy mat nailing platform and operates in much the same way.

With a single pass of the gantry, deck boards and vertical boards are securely fastened with a strong, consistent clinch. Two precise rows of nails—one to the right and one to the left—deliver maximum strength and reliability. For applications where only one row is needed, the reverse firing can be turned off, allowing for even faster processing speeds.

Once nailing is complete, many mats can be automatically ejected to the optional stacker for a seamless workflow. For more complex mats that require additional jigging, operators can simply remove the part for hand-stacking or place it into a stand-alone stacker.

Crate Sides & Tops Models & Sizes:

• 56″ L x 56″ W (parts up to 56″ x 56″)
• 56″ L x 72″ W (parts up to 56″ x 72″)
• 56″ L x 96″ W (parts up to 56″ x 96″)
• This machine’s frame can be modified for parts that are as large as 60″ L. *These machines are harder to load due to their size. 
• Additional vertical board clamps can be added. 
• Available with an electronically adjustable vertical board clamp, plus nail gun and nail coil holder with quick changeover. 

Part Specifications:

• We will look at any application. Contact us for details.
• Crate Sides
• Crate Tops
• Custom Parts

Standard Features & Benefits:

• Secure jigging for 3 vertical boards and any desired number of deck boards provides a tight tolerance for better quality.
• Jigging can be manufactured with laser tight tolerances when necessary. 
• Electronic nail gun firing system built for precise nail placement.
• Nail gun firing system is adjustable for every intersection. 
• 2 rows of nails is standard, but can be switched to one row with the flip of a switch.
• 3 nail gun mounts that work with N70PAL or N58PAL model nail guns.
•  Simple and easy-to-use controls that are ergonomically placed for operator efficiency.
• Quick changeover parts, with tool-less options wherever possible.
• Cost-effective parts and components that are in stock in Ohio.
• Rugged steel parts, most of which are made in the USA, that are built to handle the day-to-day rigors of the pallet industry. 
• Optional stacker with an electronic counter. *When the application allows.
• Optional 10 ft. rollout conveyor for completed stacks.
• Full machine lubrication system, and a nail gun lubrication system.
• Optional part takeout automatically ejects mats to the optional stacker. *When the application allows.
• Shifting jig provides 2 rows of nails in each intersection.
• No expensive and time-consuming maintenance routines.
• Simple electronic logic that is durable, safe, easy to diagnose, and reliable.
• Industry-leading support ready to assist you whenever you need it.
• American-made. American durability. American ingenuity.

Production Expectations & Operators:

• Production varies with part configuration, operator work ethic, and lumber quality.
• 1 operator required. Additional operators possible for large or complicated parts. 
• Parts with 2 rows of nails can be built at a rate of one mat every 45 to 60 seconds; operator dependent. ACTUAL MACHINE CYCLE TIME IS ONLY 15 SECONDS.
• Parts with 1 row of nails can be built at a rate of one mat every 30 to 45 seconds; operator dependent. ACTUAL MACHINE CYCLE TIME IS ONLY 10 SECONDS. 
• Actual cycle times are based on the press of the start switch until the time the finished mat is removed from the jig by the machine. 
• Please contact us to learn more about production speeds for your pallet sizes. You’ll be surprised at what’s possible.

Lumber Types:

• The Little Buddy is flexible and works well with many types of lumber. 
•  Softwoods & Hardwoods.
• #1 and #2 grade lumber.
• Lumber quality impacts the quality of the part. We welcome sample lumber for review and feedback.

Nails and Nail Guns:

• All of our nailing machines utilize pneumatic nail guns and 15-degree high-load/large coil nails. 
• The Little Buddy requires CLINCH NAILS. If you are unfamiliar with clinch nails, please contact us to discuss. 
• Typical nail sizes range from 1-1/4″ to 2″, and diameters between .086 to .090, application-dependent. 
• The Little Buddy is designed to accommodate different nail gun models and nail sizes. 
• If you have experience with bulk nails and hydraulic nailing systems, but not with pneumatic nail guns and coil nails, please contact us to learn more. 

Custom Sizes and Solutions:

• We can modify the Little Buddy to build different specifications.

Block Pallet Buddy nailing machines are not affiliated with any other machine manufacturers or their representatives. All machines are designed and manufactured by Millcreek Machine in Ohio. 

Know where your machine is coming from. Ask before you buy.